Hon. Millicent Amankwah Yeboah Fires Back at Critics Over Parliamentary Speech Slip | Discuss Ghana

The Member of Parliament for Sunyani West, Hon. Millicent Amankwah Yeboah, has responded to social media criticism following a linguistic slip during a parliamentary session on Thursday, February 19, 2026. While delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament regarding the tragic killing of Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso, the MP mispronounced the word "bereaved" while offering condolences to the affected families.

The error quickly went viral, with some social media users questioning her academic competence and fluency in the English language.

Hon. Millicent Amankwah Yeboah

"Go to KNUST and Check My Records": MP Defends Academic Standing

In a direct response via a Facebook Live session on Friday, February 20, 2026, Hon. Amankwah Yeboah dismissed the ridicule as a distraction from her actual work. She challenged her critics to verify her academic credentials at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree.

Substance Over Grammar: The MP argued that a single slip of the tongue does not define her intelligence or her ability to represent her constituents.

Constituency Connection: She pointed out that her primary responsibility is to the people of Sunyani West, many of whom prioritize effective representation and development over "Queen’s English".

Academic Background: In addition to her degree from KNUST, the MP holds a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Law in the United Kingdom, which she cited as proof of her educational rigor.

Political Context: The Rise of a New Voice in Sunyani West

Hon. Millicent Amankwah Yeboah is a first-term MP who made national headlines in the 2024 General Elections by unseating the long-term incumbent and Minister for Employment, Ignatius Baffour Awuah.

Maiden Speech Success: Despite the recent slip, her maiden speech in January 2025 was widely praised for its focus on child protection, LGBTQ+ issues in schools, and youth empowerment.Community

Focus: Since taking office, she has been active in her constituency, recently visiting the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly to address staff concerns and donate supplies during the 2025 festive season.

Parliamentary Role: She currently serves on the Budget Committee and the Committee on Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions.

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Public Reaction: Divided Opinions on Social Media

The debate surrounding the MP’s speech has divided Ghanaian netizens. While some have continued to mock the pronunciation error, many others have come to her defense, noting that English is a second language for most Ghanaians and that several prominent male politicians have made similar or worse linguistic errors without facing such intense scrutiny.

Supporters have emphasized her "prepared mind" for politics, a sentiment she previously shared in interviews where she stated she does not view politics as a "risky game" because of her mental readiness.

Summary of the MP's Response

Hon. Millicent Amankwah Yeboah’s refusal to be "bullied" by social media trolls underscores her focus on impact over optics. By highlighting her people's needs and her own academic history, she is attempting to shift the national conversation back to the substance of her parliamentary advocacy for the traders and the bereaved families.